1998:
1st swim across the Atlantic

In 1998, Ben Lecomte swam across the Atlantic Ocean in support of cancer research as a tribute to his father. Despite being followed by a shark for five days, being stung by jellyfish, and being completely exhausted, Ben successfully completed the swim in 73 days. “Never again,” said Ben when he finally arrived in France. But his sense of adventure and passion for the ocean’s well-being made him feel like a fish out of water. Now he’s making history once again by fulfilling his latest dream: swimming across the Pacific Ocean from Tokyo to San Francisco.

The Pacific: a new challenge in the name of research and sustainability

The Longest Swim will be the 1st attempt to swim across the Pacific Ocean. After his daily 8-hour swim, Ben will jump onboard the support sailing yacht “Discoverer” to eat, rest and spend time with the crew. The crew will mark his GPS location when he breaks for the day, and bring him to that exact spot to dive back in the next morning.
Ben’s average swimming speed is 2.5 knots. With the push of the Kuroshio and North Pacific currents, he plans on swimming an average distance of 30 miles per day for a total duration of 6 months.
Throughout the journey, Ben and his crew will contribute to 8 research programs and share their story with the audience, live from the middle of the ocean.

Ben's Equipment

Swim Cap / Goggles / Snorkel

Mind over matter: it’s what happens in Ben’s head that will make the difference. A swim cap for the warmth, googles to protect from salt, and a snorkel for the oxygen… the brain will do the rest!

Wet Suit

Along the way, the North Pacific Ocean water temperature could reach 50°F (10°C). The wet suit not only give Ben a superhero style… it is vital to maintain his body temperature and optimize his aerodynamic in the water.

Fins

Ben will adapt his choice of fin everyday, depending on the state of the sea.

EKG Waterproof Holter Monitor

With DMS Service's EKG Waterproof Holter Monitor and other devices like NASA's remote guidance echo, the medical team will be able to monitor Ben's activities with accuracy. Throughout the journey, a Chief Medical Advisor, a cardiologist, a nutritionist and a kinesiologist will be in contact with Ben and his crew to provide any required support.

EKG Waterproof Holter Monitor

With DMS Service's EKG Waterproof Holter Monitor and other devices like NASA's remote guidance echo, the medical team will be able to monitor Ben's activities with accuracy. Throughout the journey, a Chief Medical Advisor, a cardiologist, a nutritionist and a kinesiologist will be in contact with Ben and his crew to provide any required support.

Shark Repellent Bracelet

In prevention of any attack, especially while swimming in the Great White Shark Migration Area, Ben will wear a magnetic bracelet to keep predators away without causing harm to them.

Activity / GPS Tracker Watch

The GPS tracking will be crucial to endure Ben swims every bit of the 5500 miles of his journey. The device will also allow the audience to follow Ben's position and performances each day with the online SwiMap.

Rad Band

Where did radioactive contaminants from Fukushima disaster go? Thanks to a wearable "Rad Band" sampling device, Ben will filter the water while swimming and allow the researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to determine the amount of radioactive cesium all the way from Tokyo to San Francisco. One of the many research projects carried by The Longest Swim and its science partners.

Activity / GPS tracker watch

The GPS tracking will be crucial to ensure Ben swims every bit of the 5500 miles of his journey. The device will also allow the audience to follow Ben’s position and performances each day with the Live Tracker and Live Data pages.

Get in touch with the team! We'd love to hear from you; Whether you have a question, want to schedule an interview, or become involved in the project.